I’ve not done one of these for a while, but it’s been a big week for stationery and I’ve got a lot to share that doesn’t fit into normal channels! Going big with Onoto It’s hardly been two minutes since I got the Sequoyah, and then Onoto hits my inbox with a set of pen … Continue reading Snippets: Sunday 18th October 2020
Month: Oct 2020
Review: Namisu Horizon
Remember the Brutalist Namisu Naos I reviewed a couple of weeks back? Well the pen I'm reviewing here, the Horizon, could not be more different in its design approach. While the Naos was all ruler-straight lines and flat ends, the Horizon, when capped, is all curve. Run your finger from end to end, past the … Continue reading Review: Namisu Horizon
Beginner fountain pen buyers deserve better than the Parker Jotter
Let me be bold and say this: the Parker Jotter is a pretty bad fountain pen. But before I explain why, let me clarify a couple of starting principles: I have deep, fond memories of Parker fountain pens from when I was growing up. As many Brits do, no doubt. Nowadays they may just be … Continue reading Beginner fountain pen buyers deserve better than the Parker Jotter
Where do you keep your pocket pens when they’re not in your pocket? Galen has the answer.
Just this week I ordered two more Schon P6s. When I'm ruthless about managing the rest of my collection, pocket pens can be a bit of a sideline vice for me. I know I'm not alone. They're inexpensive and fun. These tiny pens don't sit well in regular pen cases, for obvious reasons: pocket pens … Continue reading Where do you keep your pocket pens when they’re not in your pocket? Galen has the answer.
What are your collecting ‘guardrails’?
As I have written many times over the years, I am a man with poor impulse control, little willpower, and questionable financial sense. At times (such as right now) I've owned dozens of pens, keeping pens to review in one case, pocket pens in another, my cheaper 'toy' pens in another... But at the constant … Continue reading What are your collecting ‘guardrails’?
The three secrets of lasting pen love
I can reel off a list of fifty things I look for when reviewing a pen, in several broad categories. I can also tell you about the big dealbreakers that separate a great pen from being a bad one. Plenty are immediately obvious from first unboxing or even from photos and spec sheets (sharp cap … Continue reading The three secrets of lasting pen love
A fresh take on the pocket pen: Leonard Slattery A Se
I love seeing how different brands and makers approach the brief of designing a "pocket pen"... especially since Ian Schon raised the bar and showed everyone that you can include a #6 nib without compromising portability. Well, this is Leonard Slattery's take. You may remember that I reviewed a couple of his wooden pens a … Continue reading A fresh take on the pocket pen: Leonard Slattery A Se
Travels with pens: Suffolk
This trip had a lot riding on it. My first night away from home since February; in fact, more or less my first proper foray out of the house at all since lockdown started. The destination? A short break to an old pile of a country farmhouse in Suffolk, for some R&R. Naturally, I spent … Continue reading Travels with pens: Suffolk
Benu’s Euphoria is glitter, grown up
The Euphoria is the pen I wanted Benu to make. It keeps everything that makes Benu 'Benu' — it's a complex shape, with facets that catch the light, that distinctive thick cap band, reliable Schmidt nib, and of course the unique glittery resins. But it is a step forward for the brand towards making a … Continue reading Benu’s Euphoria is glitter, grown up
Roundup: Otto Hutt inks
If I were a pen manufacturer, I would dread thinking about inks. After you reach a certain size, it's kinda expected that you offer a range of branded ink, and you know that there's potential for revenue there. But ink has the potential to be a huge ball-ache. Do you try to compete with Diamine … Continue reading Roundup: Otto Hutt inks
